Date Squares

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cuppitted dates, chopped; for the date filling
• 1 cupwater, for the date filling
• 1 1/2 tspvanilla extract, use 1½ tsp
• 2 cuprolled oats, for the oat crumble
• 1 cupall-purpose flour, for the oat crumble
• 1 cupbrown sugar, for the oat crumble
• 1/2 tspbaking soda
• 1/4 tspsalt
• 1 cupunsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces; for the oat crumble

Method

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan.

2. 2

   Make the date filling: combine the dates and water in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and leave to cool.

3. 3

   Make the oat crust: pulse the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in a food processor 3 times until just combined (not powdery). Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbles. Transfer to a bowl and squeeze through your fingers to fully incorporate.

4. 4

   Press half the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Spread the cooled date filling over the top. Layer on the remaining oat mixture and press down to flatten.

5. 5

   Bake in the centre of the oven for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.